Benjamin Franklin is often called the “father“ of America, the fabulous American, or “the first American”, or as a anonymous reporter from 1856 wrote in theNew York Timesthat Franklin “was the incarnation of the true American character… Franklin was the true type of the pure, noble, republican feeling of America“(Huang p.31). Born as the son of a soap and candle maker in 1706 he then became one of the most famous Americans in his time and is even today well known, he is the embodiment of the American dream, from the dishwasher to the millionaire. Franklin was also an inventor, writer and philosopher, furthermore he was the first American who was international honoured and respected as politician and scientist. He was also “the only leading American who signed all four of the major documents that laid the foundation of the republic: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaties of Alliance (1778), the Peace Treaty between Great Britain and the United States (1783), and the Constitution of the United States (1787)” (Huang, p.37). But was is it that made him “the first American”? Which are the “American” attributes that Franklin embodies and in how far can one read these attributes and attitudes in Franklin’s autobiography and other writings? Was it his liberal and democratic sense, his belief in science and in progress that made him ahead of his time? Did his attributes shape the following generations and characterize the American Way even in nowadays? Is that the reason to say Benjamin Franklin is the first American? In his autobiography he describes his life in his own words and it is impressive how much attributes that are today considered to be American can be found autobiography and in some other writings of him. So the focus will be the search for similarities between Franklin’s “character” and the so called Americanness or thing that are supposed to American. The first very American thing about Benjamin Franklin is his way from rags to riches, it is also the first thing that comes to one’s mind when thinking about America. He fulfilled “the” American Dream. He was born as the son of a soap and candle maker and became one of the most famous Americans at his, and even still in our time. But of course his fame, and wealth didn’t fall from the sky, it was his work ethic, his self-reliance, his self-education, and his endurance that brought him that far. This work ethic, and endurance is very American, and an example for “Americanness”.
Table of Contents
- Benjamin Franklin, the “first American”?
- The American Dream
- Financial Independence and Wealth
- Democracy, Freedom, and Egalitarianism
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the characteristics that earned Benjamin Franklin the title of "the first American." It examines his life, particularly his autobiography and other writings, to identify the American attributes he embodies and how these traits influenced subsequent generations. The work explores the extent to which his values and actions shaped the American way of life.
- The American Dream: Franklin's rise from humble beginnings to prominence exemplifies the ideal of social mobility.
- Work Ethic and Self-Reliance: Franklin's relentless pursuit of self-improvement through hard work, education, and perseverance highlights the importance of these values in American culture.
- Financial Independence: Franklin's focus on financial prudence and the pursuit of wealth reflects the American emphasis on economic success.
- Democracy and Egalitarianism: Franklin's advocacy for equality and his participation in the Declaration of Independence demonstrate his commitment to democratic principles.
- Social Justice: Franklin's stance against slavery and his concern for the treatment of Native Americans highlight his progressive views on social equality.
Chapter Summaries
The first chapter delves into Benjamin Franklin's journey from rags to riches, showcasing his work ethic, self-reliance, and determination. It examines how his commitment to education and self-improvement epitomizes the American Dream. The second chapter explores Franklin's principles regarding financial independence and wealth, examining his famous quote, "God helps them that help themselves." This chapter explores how his views on financial prudence shaped his own life and potentially influenced American attitudes towards money. The third chapter analyzes Franklin's strong stance on democracy, freedom, and egalitarianism, focusing on his role in the Declaration of Independence and his early advocacy for equal rights. The chapter also explores Franklin's progressive stance on social justice, particularly his opposition to slavery and his concern for the treatment of Native Americans.
Keywords
The text focuses on Benjamin Franklin's character, exploring his work ethic, self-reliance, financial prudence, democratic ideals, and commitment to social justice. These themes are analyzed in relation to the concept of "Americanness" and the historical context of the early United States. The analysis draws primarily from Franklin's autobiography and other writings, particularly Poor Richard's Almanac.
- Quote paper
- Christian Imberi (Author), 2006, Benjamin Franklin - "The First American"?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/65732
